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The effect of CO2 laser drilling on glass microballoon/epoxy syntactic foams are investigated in this study to optimize machining parameters to achieve a clean hole for various industrial applications. The epoxy matrix is reinforced with glass microballoons in concentrations of 0, 20 and 40 vol%. Cutting speed, laser power and additive percentage are input parameters for optimization. Kerf taper angle, surface roughness and ovality percentage are used as output responses to evaluate hole quality. For the optimization study, hybrid multi-criteria decision-making methods such as grey relational analysis and multi-objective optimization with ratio assessment methods are used, with equal weightage given to each output response. According to the study, low power and high speed produce better machining results such as a smaller kerf taper angle, lower surface roughness and a lower ovality percentage. Furthermore, a higher additive percentage is not appropriate for laser in epoxy/glass microballoon composite because it burns the area near the laser and increases surface roughness. © 2023 The Author(s)